Autism is . . .

Autism is . . . More Than We’ve Been Led to Believe

While families in the United States scramble to crunch numbers for their tax returns, I’m mulling over some numbers myself. I hesitate to publish numbers stating the prevalence of autism because they become outdated so quickly. The numbers are climbing, probably because more people recognize the signs and symptoms of autism and are seeking help for their children and receiving a diagnosis.

There is a debate over what causes autism—genetics, environment, or some combination of the two. There is also debate over the best treatments, whether a cure exists, whether one should want a child with autism to be cured, and on and on.

I don’t want to get into any of that, even if it is Autism Awareness Month. Instead, I want to spend the next two weeks (April 15-19 and 22-26) introducing you to some amazing children with autism. Their profiles, written by their mothers, will allow you a peek into the unique world these children live in and will hopefully show you how we all have much more in common than not.

It’s true that these children struggle, to varying degrees, with delays in significant areas of functioning. Some are nonverbal; others are highly verbal. Some are learning disabled, while others are twice exceptional and are gifted learners. Some are blessed with good health. Others struggle with health challenges too.

But these children are gifts to their families and the communities they live in. As they pursue their passions (and obsessions), they show great promise. It’s important that we learn to see that “Autism is . . . ” so much more than we’ve been led to believe.

Please join me here each day to learn more about these amazing children. I will post links below as each new profile is published!

Hello! My name is Melissa. I homeschool my 10 year old son who is on the Autism Spectrum. He is verbal, very much so. He is computer smart, but lacks a real interest in learning outside of his realm which makes homeschool a challenge, but not impossible. Some days we or I have to think outside the box and enter his world in order for my teachings to be effective, which I don’t mind. However, the problem lies in others who see my teaching not as effective because he associates what he learned differently then how a traditional public school would teach or have the capabilities to teach. I don’t worry about that. When it counts he gets it even if he has to explain it using analogies from the sea. He has his heart set on being an Oceanographer, so we study ocean life a lot. I have learned to adapt into his world rather than focusing so much on trying to get him to adapt to my world.

Remember that show from the 90’s, ‘It’s a Different World’?

“I know my parents love me,
Stand behind me come what may.
I know now that I’m ready,
Because I finally heard them say
It’s a different world form where you come from.

Here’s a chance to make it,
If we focus on our goals.
If you dish it we can take it,
Just remember you’ve been told
It’s a different world form where you come from.
It’s a different world form where you come from.”

That song tends to be our theme song! Our world, or his world rather, is very different. But, if you take the time to see his world or their world, you just might find, that adaptation can be a two way street if you’ll take the time to construct a wider road, which will lead to a bigger area for exploration on both parts.

Beautifully expressed, Melissa! Thank you for taking the time to share all of that. I agree with you. I just finished a math lesson with my daughter in which we needed to work on subtraction with borrowing. She didn’t want to do it, but she had drawn a picture of a seal on the white board. I had all the problems revolve around the seal, her friends, etc., and we finished the lesson with smiles! She said, “You made math fun today, Mommy! Let’s do that again tomorrow.” It is so much easier when the learning revolves around their areas of interest. I’m grateful to be able to homeschool so she can learn the way she learns best.